What do you do? Commercial real estate broker.
Length of time at this job: 33 years
What is it that you like best about your job? Working with such diverse and interesting people.
Education/Major: Two years at the University of Nebraska / Business.
When did you know that you were in the right place in your career? After closing on several large master plan projects and seeing the vision of those developments come to fruition. It is extremely rewarding to have loyal clients who have also become close friends.
Would you encourage your children to go into the same field? When my daughter and son were growing up, they did not ever think they would be in real estate as they constantly saw me on the phone or looking at property. However, I think they were around the business so much they were both naturals. My daughter worked with me until she married in 1999. I was also blessed when my son Travis chose to join the company and he has been working with me since he graduated from college in 1996. I am extremely proud of how Travis has excelled in the real estate business. It is wonderful to see his successes and to know he will continue my legacy.
What do you enjoy doing on a day off? I enjoy spending time with my two grandchildren, Kate-9 and Cole-11, and attending their various activities. They are truly the light of my life. In addition, I love getting to spend time with my friends and taking in a great movie.
What is your favorite vacation? I really enjoy traveling, especially vacationing in Europe. For me, it is easy to relax as you are truly away from the day to day business.
What is your all-time favorite movie? The Help.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life personally and professionally? My mother was my role model for how to be a lady in whatever you do. She treated everyone with compassion and respect. I strive every day to be like her. She taught me the love of family and putting God first in your life.
What brought you to San Antonio? I started my real estate career in Austin and then moved my office to San Antonio in 1992 after brokering several deals in the Stone Oak area. While working on those projects, I not only recognized what a great city San Antonio was but, what an incredible opportunity there was for commercial real estate.
What do you like most about San Antonio? I enjoy the people and the atmosphere. San Antonio is the smallest big city with many things to do.
What community groups or not-for-profit groups are you involved with as a volunteer? Young Life is a charity organization that is close to my heart. For over fifteen years I have been involved with Young Life and helping with the yearly golf tournament fundraiser. Young Life is a Christian based organization that is in the high schools reaching out to teenagers sharing God’s love for them. My son-in-law is the Area Director for Young Life in Boerne and my daughter has been a leader since college. I am very proud of their accomplishments and commitment and their heart for teenagers.
How do you find balance in your life — career, community and home life? Finding a balance is difficult. If you love what you do, you don’t mind working the longer hours.
What is your favorite relaxation strategy? I need to find one.
What are your goals? I want to leave a legacy by being an example of how to talk the talk and walk the walk both in your professional and personal life.
What is the best advice that you have ever received? You have to earn your reputation; you can’t buy it.
People would be surprised to know that I … in the late 80’s I bought a portable toilet business in Austin when the real estate market crashed. After securing long term contracts, I then sold the business to BFI.
